3D CT Image Segmentation for In-Situ Porosity Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for estimating fluid transport properties of subsurface rock formations are limited by the need for sample preparation and are affected by changes in porosity and structure when rock samples are moved from subsurface to surface conditions, leading to inaccurate estimates.
Innovation Solution
A method using three-dimensional CT images to segment rock samples into pore space and mineral matrix, calculating porosity, and conducting simulations to determine relationships between porosity and other physical properties, with options for subsampling and artifact healing to minimize environmental condition effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If rock samples are moved from subsurface to surface conditions for analysis, then sample accessibility and analysis speed are improved, but porosity and structural changes occur leading to measurement inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing artifact healing on the 3D image data before conducting porosity measurements. The system automatically detects and corrects artifacts caused by pressure changes during sample retrieval, restoring the pore structure to its in-situ state before analysis. This preliminary correction ensures measurement accuracy is maintained despite the necessary sample transport from subsurface to surface conditions.
2Measurement precision
If traditional thin section preparation with dyed epoxy resin is used, then detailed pore structure visualization is achieved, but sample preparation time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical and chemical sample preparation process (thin section cutting, epoxy resin infiltration, staining) with a non-destructive X-ray microtomography scanning process. The 3D imaging technique visualizes pore structures directly in the intact sample without requiring physical sectioning or chemical treatment, dramatically reducing preparation time while maintaining or improving measurement precision through three-dimensional visualization.
3Reliability
If multiple equiprobable three-dimensional representations are generated for averaging, then estimation reliability is improved, but computational complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing artifact healing and data correction before generating multiple 3D representations. By pre-processing the image data to remove artifacts and establish accurate in-situ conditions, the system reduces the variability between multiple representations, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing the number of simulations needed and lowering computational complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables more precise and accurate estimation of fluid transport properties at in-situ conditions, reducing the impact of artifacts caused by surface sampling and improving the speed and efficiency of subsurface analysis.
Implementation Method 1
devices for generating CT images of samples such as drill cuttings have become available. Such CT image generating devices (CT scanners) typically produce three-dimensional gray scale images of the samples analyzed in the scanner.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining in-situ relationships between physical properties of a porous medium from a sample thereof includes acquiring a three-dimensional image of the sample and segmenting the image into pixels representing pore space and pixels representing rock grain. A plurality of sub-volumes are selected from the segmented image, and a porosity is calculated for each of the sub-volumes. A digital simulation is conducted on each of the sub-volumes to obtain a selected physical property for the sub-volume. A relationship is determined between porosity and the selected physical property using relationship data comprising the calculated porosity and the simulated physical property for each of the sub-volumes. The method includes at least one of storing and displaying the relationship.